Buckeyes pull off win in Happy Valley

Friday

Feb 29, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 29, 2008 at 7:13 AM

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Freshman center Jantel Lavender kept the Big Ten title hopes alive for the Ohio State women's basketball team with a 36-point, 16-rebound performance during an 87-84 victory over Penn State.

Lavender scored the final two baskets for the Buckeyes as they held off a furious rally by the Lions. Penn State had a chance to tie in the final seconds but Kamela Gissendanner misfired on a three-point attempt.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Freshman center Jantel Lavender kept the Big Ten title hopes alive for the Ohio State women's basketball team with a 36-point, 16-rebound performance during an 87-84 victory over Penn State tonight in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Lavender scored the final two baskets for the Buckeyes (21-7, 12-5) as they held off a furious rally by the Lions (13-17, 4-13). Penn State had a chance to tie in the final seconds but Kamela Gissendanner misfired on a three-point attempt. Brianne O'Rourke got the rebound but her desperation shot came after time expired.

Marscilla Packer complemented Lavender's effort with 18 points. Maria Moeller had 11. Gissdanner led Penn State with 25 points and O'Rourke had 17.